Very keen to move our 35+ domains from Pair Networks to a company that has better margins for resellers

we have 20 domains hosted under our main account and about 15 hosted seperately that have their own mysql and ssl etc , as most are small business sites it would be great if we could move them to one mulitple domain account

after some heavy research we have narrowed it down to two
httpme and mchost

can i ask for anyones opinion on these two hosts that is in a similar postion to us ...

my initial contact with httpme was quite encouraging
posted on the board and got a response within 5 minutes!


thanks

Hi There,

Start your quest being well informed... click the search button for both companies and start with that info first.....

Regards

thanks dotcomsnz
yep i have done that
wanted some current opinions

Good to see that you are on the ball :-)

MCHost is among the best hosting companies for resellers ... IMHO ... based on experience ...

! JC

Out of the 2, I would choose httpme.com - simply because the owner is a top guy and you would get good support etc... the bigger company always have more problems, and yes i have held accounts with the bigger company, so I know what I am talking about :-)

MCHost all the way here - best host I have ever used...

I would recommend staying with Pair. They are the bomb!. However, since you want to shave points, I would recommend MCHost. They have been around awhile and know the routine. HTTPme is new and not tested. I don't care what people say, a few months in business means nothing!

Dotcomsnz and Aussie Bob are buddies, so the opinion is biased. Also, how can you get a real evaluation from someone who has never used them??

MCHost has a full staff, over a year of experience, and at least they have a pricing model that at least makes money and might be workable long term.

Hello,

Just saying you will usually get better looked after by a smaller host is all - less customers - more time for you is usually the case..just my opinion.

Thought I'd throw my 2 cents in here to clarify some matters raised in this thread -

- We've been in business for 6mths.

- We are a real business with the proper business licensing from the local authorities etc. [I'm not a 15yr old working from their bedroom]

- Have real professional offices.

- We are totally debt free.

- Run a profitable business model with positive cashflows. Note the "debt free" + "profitable" + "postive cashflows".

- Have 1 full time employee [me] and 2 part-time staff.

- We have well over 100 separate clients who are more than satisfied with our services that they receive.

Yes, we are not as tested as mchost who have been in business longer. I have nothing but admiration for Marc and the business he has built. Marc is one switched_on business person and an inspiration. But we are well on our way and are finding our own little place in the sun, so to speak.

Thank you. :)

Here's my 2 cents

I've been using the internet since 1991.

I've been in isp/hosting game since 1997.

I've sold my ISP and web host company 2 years ago, I currently host a few smaill clients with MC HOST.

I know httpme well enough to say that his service would be just as good as MCHost.

but.. if you want value add stuff like reseller scripts a community of resellers that can help then Mchost is your destination.

I know httpme is working on the web community part. And they do provide fantatical support!

The total number of clients that HTTPme.com will accept into its community will be 250 [subject to change]. Once that is reached, basically the order page will be taken off line and we will focus on delivering to our valued clients the very best hosting experience available.

This is from the HTTPMe web site. If you want to host with a provider who feeds you full of crap, then go ahead. I mean come on. "The total number of clients that HTTPme.com will accept into its community will be 250" then quickly followed by "[subject to change]". Another words, join us thinking we will stay small, then once we get to 250, I will change it to more because I warned you it is subject to change. To me this is no different then any other false/misleading advertising. "Unlimited transfer [subject to change]".

Oh, yeah, this is from the web site too later on down the About Us page.

Another aspect of HTTPme.com was that it had to be built around 100% honesty and integrity. There's way too much sugar-coating and straight out deceitfulness on the internet these days.

100% honesty would be to not even feed you crap about how they want to keep it small, but tell you it is subject to change. Maybe many will think I am bashing or do not agree with this assessment, sorry. But I think it is BS and "deceitfull" to prmote and preach something knowing you are not even going to stick to it in the end.

I think going with a host who tells you up front they are basically here to make money and grow to ensure you are taken care of is a better choice. Both Pair and MCHost seem to be run more as a business with the desire to grow and succeed.
-----------------

Just saying you will usually get better looked after by a smaller host is all - less customers - more time for you is usually the case..just my opinion.

I agree. This is usually true. But I can tell you Pair blows this opinion away. They host over 100,000 customers. Also, compared to Pair, MCHost is still small.

I know httpme well enough to say that his service would be just as good as MCHost.

That is the second referral from someone who hasn't even used them. Sure HTTPme comes accross as a nice guy with all the compliments and smilies he uses, but does that prove his business is the best choice over MCHost? At least with MCHost referrals, they are actual users.

Look, I have no doubt that HTTPme has happy customers. But I am also smart enough to not fall for the super nice guy act. I have seen way too many here that turn out to be frauds. Only time will tell if there is a wolf in sheeps clothing or a genuine nice guy behind the company.

Originally posted by Aussie Bob
Thought I'd throw my 2 cents in here to clarify some matters raised in this thread -

- We've been in business for 6mths.

- We are a real business with the proper business licensing from the local authorities etc. [I'm not a 15yr old working from their bedroom]

- Have real professional offices.

- We are totally debt free.

- Run a profitable business model with positive cashflows. Note the "debt free" + "profitable" + "postive cashflows".

- Have 1 full time employee [me] and 2 part-time staff.

- We have well over 100 separate clients who are more than satisfied with our services that they receive.

Yes, we are not as tested as mchost who have been in business longer. I have nothing but admiration for Marc and the business he has built. Marc is one switched_on business person and an inspiration. But we are well on our way and are finding our own little place in the sun, so to speak.

Thank you. :)

We wish you the best of luck with this but typically this type of post just falls subject to the hounds here at WHT. I would honestly not try to defend anything publicly since it always turns up bad. Your doing something right to afford one full time and two part staff members on just 100 clients, keep up the good work.

Take care

Originally posted by Jag


We wish you the best of luck with this but typically this type of post just falls subject to the hounds here at WHT. I would honestly not try to defend anything publicly since it always turns up bad. Your doing something right to afford one full time and two part staff members on just 100 clients, keep up the good work.

Take care
Thanks. :)

I'm not worried or concerned. I think most folks know the difference between unsubstantiated personal opinions and hard facts.

If anyone wants to make a claim that we are not profitable, then they better produce some hard evidence. Unless you're my accountant, then that's impossible to do.

I do agree with UmBillyCord on many things including that "time will tell". Yes, time is the ultimate test for any business. Will Rackshack, rackspace, dialtone, Enron [Oops ;)] be around in 5 to 10 years from now?? Who knows?? We plan on sticking around for a long time. I just love this business and the people I meet everyday. :)

Some folks can't get their head around HTTPme.com only wanting to build a small hosting community. I guess that's the acid test for a cashflow for any business - if they can stop the intake of fresh cashflow and still run a sustainable positive cashflow based on their current client base and costs.

I could stop the intake of new clients right now [infact, have done this several times for stabalise the current client base] and the business model would keep going. It's profitable and cashflow positive right now. Add those 2 factors with HTTPme.com being totally debt free, then you have a good forumlea for success.

All I can say to UmBillyCord is keep watching over the next 6mths when we hit our client goal. Watch the main page. Watch the order links and the information stating that we are accespting no new clients, nor will we be. "Time will tell", yes, you'll see.

I also like the negativity and I don't take it personally. Sometimes we need to take the negativity from others and see the relevant points in their comments and take them in to learn and better ourselves. UmBillyCord has made some very relevant comments/criticisms. Life is afterall, a balance of positive and negative. :)

Sorry for the waffleing. :)

Sorry for the waffleing.

No need. You are mature enough to listen to my point of view and took my recommendation with dignity in this thread. You didn't do what many others have and came back flaming. I appreciate that. For that I say more power to you. We all can't agree.

Some folks can't get their head around HTTPme.com only wanting to build a small hosting community.

I hope so. That is unique. But the "Subject to change" is what gets me. You publically display it one your site. I publically dispute it. No harm - no foul. You call it negativity. Using a term from the intelligence community, I call it an indicator.

If anyone wants to make a claim that we are not profitable, then they better produce some hard evidence. Unless you're my accountant, then that's impossible to do.

Where did I point out you were not profitable? Saying making money and sustaining long term is quite different them saying one is not profitable. If your net is $1, then you are profitable. Will that sustain you? I don't think so. Work on terminology before you debate it.

I think most folks know the difference between unsubstantiated personal opinions and hard facts.

I agree. But note Bob, from your PMs to me, and what you put out to the public, it is quite different. You and I both know that as a hard fact. ;)

In any case. Good luck.

Ultimately, the choice is always up to the customer and what is right for her/his business and clients. All i can say is thank you all for your nice comments. They are very appreciated :)

Originally posted by UmBillyCord
No need. You are mature enough to listen to my point of view and took my recommendation with dignity in this thread. You didn't do what many others have and came back flaming. I appreciate that. For that I say more power to you. We all can't agree.
No problems. I value what anyone has to say, be it good or bad. It's all valuable feedback. :)
I hope so. That is unique. But the "Subject to change" is what gets me. You publically display it one your site. I publically dispute it. No harm - no foul. You call it negativity. Using a term from the intelligence community, I call it an indicator.
The "Subject to change" is very clear to anyone who signs up. It's not hidden. It's out in the open. :)

I think you're attacking a strawman that you've setup here. It's like offerring SSH with all accounts and then down the track deciding not to allow that feature. Such is the dynamic nature of hosting. Nothing stays the same for too long these days.

For me, the 250 client limit is it. I don't want to make a rod for my own back and I have a fast growing family that I don't want to miss because of my business. Sit down and talk to folks in their 70s or 80s and they'll say they regretted mostly spending too much time at work and not enough time with their children.

As long as there is sufficient $$$$$ for running the business and profits, then I'm happy and content. My father always taught me that "small fish are sweet". I think only now do I realise the wisdom embedded in those few simple words.

I'm not here to set the hosting world on fire or build the biggest hosting business. I also sell cashflow management software too, so hosting is not my only income stream, incase you were wondering. ;)
Where did I point out you were not profitable? Saying making money and sustaining long term is quite different them saying one is not profitable. If your net is $1, then you are profitable. Will that sustain you? I don't think so. Work on terminology before you debate it.
You said - MCHost has a full staff, over a year of experience, and at least they have a pricing model that at least makes money and might be workable long term.

Draw from that what you like. I'm not going to go on about it. We each have our opinions and observations etc. It just sounded like [to me] that you were implying that our business model doesn't make money [not true] or is no good for the long term. That's just how it came accross. No big deal. :)
I agree. But note Bob, from your PMs to me, and what you put out to the public, it is quite different. You and I both know that as a hard fact. ;)
Not quite following you here. I checked back over the 2 PMs. Anyway, no big deal. :)
In any case. Good luck.
Thank you for your comments. They are appreciated. I don't really "like" them, but they are appreciated none the less. :)

I think you're attacking a strawman that you've setup here. It's like offerring SSH with all accounts and then down the track deciding not to allow that feature. Such is the dynamic nature of hosting. Nothing stays the same for too long these days.

You completely miss the point. You are making your views about your company and what you believe in. It is clear to anyone who wants to read it, you are telling potential cusomters that if they choose you, you and your company believes the smaller the better. Then you place your little "Subject to change" in two places. I guess if all your passions and views come with a "Subject to change" and you can live with that, good for you. I guess if I come up with a limited addition account that is for 250 customers, sign up 250 customers, then change it to 500, it is OK in your world. But in my world, if I sign up with a company pushing a viewpoint of the smaller the better then make changes later on down the road, I would cosider that misleading and a gimmack to get customers.

Comparing it to SSH? Come on. Changing a service plan is nothing like telling your 250 customers you promised the customer limit too, that you now have lied and changed to allow more. If you are so set on 250 like you say and advertise. Great. I challange you to remove the "Subject to change". Care to take it? No??? OK, then, you are the strawman. The one that preaches a belief knowing you will change it later. Hence your "Subject to change".

You said - MCHost has a full staff, over a year of experience, and at least they have a pricing model that at least makes money and might be workable long term.

Draw from that what you like. I'm not going to go on about it. We each have our opinions and observations etc. It just sounded like [to me] that you were implying that our business model doesn't make money [not true] or is no good for the long term. That's just how it came accross. No big deal.

As stated before, I think you missed it to push your arguement, profitability can mean a net of $1. So I am sure you are profitable. Are you profitable for the long-term? That is where we can debate all day. We will see in time.

However, as I have stated many times on these baords, I will never fault a host or business with what they offer as long as it is honest and honored. Your selling $10.00 accounts with unlimited domains is your deal. If you succeed, great. If you sell people into buying your $10.00 accounts with the false hope they will be only 1 out of 250, then that is what I have the beef with.

I bow out.

Originally posted by UmBillyCord
However, as I have stated many times on these baords, I will never fault a host or business with what they offer as long as it is honest and honored. Your selling $10.00 accounts with unlimited domains is your deal.
I never use the word "unlimited" in respect to the number of domains they can setup etc. I think it's kind of dishonest to use that word in respect to the number of domains they can setup. We all know there is no such thing as unlimited anything.

In fact, I think you won't find that word anywhere on the site. If someone buys a $10/mth account, then they can use 200MB od disk space and 2000MB of data transfer. That's not excatly cheap bandwidth. There are other providers charging much less. :)
If you succeed, great. If you sell people into buying your $10.00 accounts with the false hope they will be only 1 out of 250, then that is what I have the beef with.
Most choose the 20 & 30/mth accounts. Average is $30/mth +.

If we do choose to lift the 250 client limit, then they are more than free to cancel their account and go elsewhere. It's their choice afterall and clients vote with their feet. :)

Thanks for your comments. :)

May I get back to your question?

I did not try httpme, but I am with mchost for some months now. The servers are fast, I had no billing problems, the support is professional and kind, my clients also like the new service.

I would recommend them!

I never use the word "unlimited" in respect to the number of domains they can setup etc. I think it's kind of dishonest to use that word in respect to the number of domains they can setup. We all know there is no such thing as unlimited anything.

Well I guess we can agree on this. Of all the multiple domain host, you at least don't use the word unlimited - so my mistake. Your offering more defines what it really is without the term.

Originally posted by UmBillyCord


Well I guess we can agree on this. Of all the multiple domain host, you at least don't use the word unlimited - so my mistake. Your offering more defines what it really is without the term.
Thanks. :)

httpme.com is a mchost reseller

fact

Originally posted by sco44
httpme.com is a mchost reseller

fact
:laugh: Get your facts straight buddy. :rolleyes:

I have an account with mchost for older domains etc. Is there anything wrong with that?? Our OWN server is located in the NAC datacenter. Server number 2 online in the next 14 days. Server number 3 online, 30 days after that.

That's a "fact". :)

BTW, nice of you to dig this thread up and have a dig there hey?? :rolleyes: :eek3:

oops ... sorry for being a bit cunty - caught me in a foul against the world mood today

sco44 oops ... sorry for being a bit cunty - caught me in a foul against the world mood today

now theres a word you don't hear every day :eek:

Originally posted by sco44
oops ... sorry for being a bit cunty - caught me in a foul against the world mood today
hey, no problems at all. :) Just wanted to clarify for the record that we are not resellers for mchost etc.

Hey aussie Bob, leave the board and answer your emails!

I've taken a great deal of time speaking to the owner of HTTPme and find the guy to be one of the most honest hosts I have run into.

They do indeed have their own servers and know that they do not want to make the mistake of growing too fast.

It's a company to watch and I sincerly hope they succeed.

If they stay honest, remember the customer, and keep their eyes and minds open they will do fine.

MCHost (No Comment)....

Originally posted by Dr Strangelove
Hey aussie Bob, leave the board and answer your emails!
Are you expecting an email from us?? :)

If httpme does not resell for mchost, then why are the still using an ip address that belongs to mchost for their own website? I would be weary of any company that doesnt trust their own services to host their website lol.

It took 5 mins to dig up the following info with references to dnsvault (mchost). Please understand that I am not targeting Aussie Bob here, but rathr pointing out facts. From what I understand, he runs a very legit business, and I have heard nothing but good things about him.


SUMMARY
Name: httpme.com
IP Address: 66.197.129.118
Location: 45.350N, 74.840W
Network: DNSVAULT.COM

Registrant Contact:
Robert Walker
Robert Walker (rob@httpme.com)
0746395684
FAX: 0746398612
117 Neil St
Toowoomba, Qld 4350
AU

REGISTRANT INFO

Registrant Contact:
Robert Walker
Robert Walker (rob@httpme.com)
0746395684
FAX: 0746398612
117 Neil St
Toowoomba, Qld 4350
AU


Billing, Administrative Contact:
Need A Dot Com?
Kelly Britt (kbritt@needa.com)
770-569-2076
FAX: 770-569-5826
11770 Haynes Bridge Rd
Suite 205-271
Alpharetta, GA 30004
US


Technical Contact:
HTTPnow.com
Robert Walker (rob@httpme.com)
0746395684
FAX: 0746398612
117 Neil St
Toowoomba, Qld 4350
AU

NETWORK INFO
DNSVAULT.COM (NETBLK-DNSVAULT994)
PO BOX 24059, LakefrontPO
Kelowna, BC v1y9p9
CA

Netname: DNSVAULT994
Netblock: 66.197.129.2 - 66.197.129.254

Coordinator:
wyss, marc (ZZ2987-ARIN) admin@dnsvault.com
2507071350

Record last updated on 19-Feb-2002.
Database last updated on 19-May-2002 19:58:40 EDT.

Junior, are you lookiing for those types of services? Or are you just being the good cop.

It is wise of him to use seperate networks for redundacy, and is the only benefit I can see for it.

Originally posted by junior
If httpme does not resell for mchost, then why are the still using an ip address that belongs to mchost for their own website? I would be weary of any company that doesnt trust their own services to host their website lol.

It took 5 mins to dig up the following info with references to dnsvault (mchost). Please understand that I am not targeting Aussie Bob here, but rathr pointing out facts. From what I understand, he runs a very legit business, and I have heard nothing but good things about him.


The main HTTPme.com site lives on our old account with mchost. The http://HTTPmeForum.com is on the box at NAC. Been more focussed on client's sites than our own really. The HTTPme.com site will most probably move to our newest server in the NAC datacenter. The HTTPme.com site is a sales tool and I'm more focussed on my client's sites than sales etc. Have enough clients for now anyways. :)

Originally posted by Aussie Bob

The main HTTPme.com site lives on our old account with mchost. The http://HTTPmeForum.com is on the box at NAC. Been more focussed on client's sites than our own really. The HTTPme.com site will most probably move to our newest server in the NAC datacenter. The HTTPme.com site is a sales tool and I'm more focussed on my client's sites than sales etc. Have enough clients for now anyways. :)

Thanks for pointing that out Rob. Like I said, I wasnt targeting you. I was just pointing out why some people might be weary.

Here's the reason why the domain httpme.com is still on a MCHost server: http://forum.httpme.com/viewthread.php?tid=265.

BTW: I signed up with httpme.com a few days ago, and I'm impressed with the cpu load of the server. Another great thing is that you don't pay for resources that your clients don't use. For more info read this thread on the httpme.com forums: http://forum.httpme.com/viewthread.php?tid=268.

dont know much about what your doing there, but I thought being in a reseller business is that you need clients, and if your shutting the door on clients, how are resellers going to grow?

Originally posted by lets.pretend
Another great thing is that you don't pay for resources that your clients don't use.

Well, you still pay for the plan you choose ...but i know what you mean, you can virtually sell 5GB of space and 100GB bandwidth on a 1GB/20GB plan. If your clients don't use it, you don't need to upgrade. Thats pretty much how all reseller plans are set-up; or at least how they should be.

*wondering why it's only httpme.com that's stating this clearly on their website* :confused: Haven't seen it elsewhere until about half an hour ago...

That's a hint for you, Kiwi ;)

Originally posted by hosterdude
dont know much about what your doing there, but I thought being in a reseller business is that you need clients, and if your shutting the door on clients, how are resellers going to grow?

Those are two different things you are mentioning.

Just because the upstream provider (HTTPme) might not be taking customers, their resellers can still continue to.

Think about it.

Originally posted by hosterdude
dont know much about what your doing there, but I thought being in a reseller business is that you need clients, and if your shutting the door on clients, how are resellers going to grow?
We're not in the "reseller" market, as such. Our target market is the Multiple Domain hosting market. Most of our clients are web developers/business owners with several sites each. We do have some "Resellers" that have hosting clients, but that's not our target market.

If I shut down all new orders, this has no impact on existing clients and their ability to setup domains etc. I'm just shutting down the intake of new accounts. Again, this has NO impact on existing accounts. :)

Originally posted by Kiwi


Well, you still pay for the plan you choose ...but i know what you mean, you can virtually sell 5GB of space and 100GB bandwidth on a 1GB/20GB plan. If your clients don't use it, you don't need to upgrade. Thats pretty much how all reseller plans are set-up; or at least how they should be.
Yep, Kiwi is spot on here. :)

Originally posted by lets.pretend
Here's the reason why the domain httpme.com is still on a MCHost server: http://forum.httpme.com/viewthread.php?tid=265.

BTW: I signed up with httpme.com a few days ago, and I'm impressed with the cpu load of the server. Another great thing is that you don't pay for resources that your clients don't use. For more info read this thread on the httpme.com forums: http://forum.httpme.com/viewthread.php?tid=268.
Just to clear up any confusion. The above links are links to our old forum. The new forum is at http://httpmeforum.com

We'll be keeping the old forum up as there is heaps of useful information there for folks to search through. :)

Are you expecting an email from us?? Yes and a reminder too :(

Originally posted by Dr Strangelove
Yes and a reminder too :(
Hi. Could you email me please at rob@HTTPme.com and I will look into this. I currently have no outstanding sales/support emails, hence me slacking off here at WHT. :D

Rob @ httpme is not one to take back his word. I have known him for a long time and he is a great knowledgable person. Try httpme out and you won't be disappointed.